It was revenge for Jadhav says Pak on its missing official

Pakistan has blamed India for the abduction of its agent stating that this was done to avenge the death sentence awarded to Kulbhushan Jadhav. A retired Pakistan army officer was lured to Nepal with the promise of a job before he was seized by Indian intelligence officials, Pakistan said.

File photo of Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Pakistan officials said that this was done with the hope that India could seek the release of Jadhav who was sentenced to death on the ground that he was an Indian spy. Jadhav, a former navy officer was arrested by Pakistan on the allegation that he was launched into the country to carry out subversive activities in Balochistan. India has however denied the allegation.

Lt Colonel Mohammad Habib had gone missing on April 6 upon his arrival in Nepal. Pakistan contends that this was the handiwork of the Indian agencies in a bid to negotiate the release of Jadhav.

Pakistan contends that Habib had arrived at the Kathmandu airport on April 5. He was taken to a hotel by an Indian national. After this he had gone missing, Pakistan has contended. India, however, said that it has no information about Habib.

Following the death sentence awarded to Jadhav on April 10, India has stepped up pressure to secure his release. The matter was debated in Pakistan and External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj had called him, 'son of India'. Pakistan has however rejected all demands to release Jadhav apart from denying consular access as well.